FARDC and FRN rebels resume fighting in Kibati (Walikale)

Fighting resumed on Wednesday, October 28, in Kibati, in the Luberike groupement of Walikale territory, North Kivu, between the FARDC, backed by wazalendo fighters, and FRN rebels. ACTUALITE.CD sources reported heavy and light weapons fire from around 11 a.m., following an army offensive aimed at dislodging rebels who have occupied the settlement for more than two years. In Habula, residents who had begun returning home fled again into the bush, while civilians in Kibati and nearby villages fear the clashes will spread. The renewed fighting further undermines the prospects for displaced people to return amid continuing insecurity.